At first glance, Le Havre, untouched by war, looked like an Italian city. Like Lyon, it had red roofs, but its streets were straight rather than as winding as Lyon's.
When the procession entered the city, cheers rang out, accompanied by the tolling of bells from the harbor.
Napoleon rode at the very front, waving to the cheering crowd.
The same thing had happened in Rouen. At first, Georgiana had been especially excited, but now, holding that letter from the Ministry of Magic, she felt none of that enthusiasm.
Britain's first female Minister for Magic, Artemisia Lufkin, was a Hufflepuff. Was she any match for France's pure-blood aristocrats?
This dispute had arisen because of Georgiana. Magical creatures had appeared, and there were even suspected Scourers. It was a problem for both the International Statute of Secrecy and the stability of wizarding society.
Becoming a female politician was difficult. If she failed, whether Britain would ever have another female minister would be questionable. France, in any case, would most likely never have one.
Georgiana was both the main witness and one of the parties involved. She truly needed to make an appearance. Compared with that, she had little interest in the ball.
She glanced at Leila du Renard, who had just climbed into the carriage. She was sitting properly in the farthest corner, while Madame Barillon had already returned to her husband's carriage.
At the restaurant, Napoleon had cautiously avoided mentioning "Gaza." Those lacking geographical knowledge might not understand the difference, but what had happened in Jaffa was still taboo, and the newspapers had not publicized it.
Some things were too filthy for an innocent girl, enough to stain her soul. Better to worry about the ball instead.
"Is the list ready?" Georgiana held out her hand to Feilier.
But it